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Smoking and Back Surgery

Posted on January 16, 2018

I tried smoking when I was younger but never really cared for it, and haven’t since, however did you know smokers are more at risk of lumbar spinal stenosis and surgery? A study published in The Spine Journal reports that heavy smokers were 46% more likely to undergo surgery for spinal stenosis than non-smokers and moderate smokers were at 31% greater risk of surgery. Surprisingly, even former smokers were at 13% greater risk of surgery. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine which constricts the blood flow and promotes inflammation which is not ideal for those with low back problems. Thus, the more you smoke the greater the risks. Talk to your Chiropractor to find out how they can help!!